Bone Density Level Difference between Maxillary and Mandibular 2nd Premolar and 1st Molar in Iraqi Adults with Class I Occlusion

Background: Development of techniques that could adequately provide anchorage in moving individual tooth or groups of teeth in desired direction is one of the major concerns of orthodontic. Mini-implants provide reliable stable anchorage. The aim of this study was to compare of the bone density between two points within alveolar bone to decide which one was more reliable for insertion of mini-implant. Materials and method: Computed tomographic images were obtained for 70 patients (24 males and 46 females) with an age range 18- 30 years. Bone density of buccal cortical and cancellous bones was measured between 2nd premolar and 1st molar at two preselected level (points 3 and 6 mm) from the alveolar crest in both maxilla and mandible. Results: According to independent t-test, the bone density at point 6 mm was higher than that at point 3 mm with a statistically significant difference between them in both maxilla and mandible except in maxillary cancellous bone which shows a non-significant difference. Conclusions: It was concluded that the alveolar bone density increased from the alveolar bone crest toward the basal bone. Point 6 mm is more recommended in the upper jaw, while in the lower jaw, point 3 mm is more recommended.